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Even while authorities have made great headway in reducing instances of drink-driving in the UK, there is still much work to be done. Recent figures from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA) show that more than 70,000 people are caught drink-driving each year. ROSPA figures from 2016 also show that 240 people were killed, 1260 seriously injured with more than 9000 additional casualties as a consequence of drink driving accidents.

Despite recent relative success in tackling drink-driving in the UK, there is still work to be done with a number of ongoing initiatives.

Lower drink drive limit

Statistical evidence shows that those with a blood alcohol reading of 50 mg/80 mg are between 2 and 2.5 times more likely to be involved in an accident, compared to sober drivers. Drunk drivers are also six times more likely to be involved in a fatal road traffic accident. It is therefore no surprise to learn that the UK government and devolved UK parliaments are constantly monitoring the drink drive limit which is slowly falling.

Roadside breath tests

The most obvious way to check for drivers under the influence of alcohol is by means of a roadside breath test. While there were just over 463,000 roadside breath tests in 2016 this figure has varied dramatically over the years. The introduction of more accurate roadside breath testing equipment was a major step forward in tackling this serious issue.

• Educating motorists

Over many years we have seen a deluge of statistics regarding drink-driving, accidents and fatalities. It is only recently that the authorities have realised that educating motorists about the impact of alcohol on their reaction times is as important as cold hard statistics. Understanding how the brain works, how alcohol impairs judgement and the increased potential of accidents is starting to hit home. Relatively graphic TV adverts have also opened the eyes of many motorists to the consequences of drink-driving.

• Random breath tests

At this moment in time the police need to have a “reason” to stop a motorist/rider in order to carry out a roadside breath test. There is evidence to suggest that random breath testing will not only pick up additional drink drivers but it will also act as another preventative measure. There is some conflict between a motorist’s human rights, discrimination and random breath testing but it is highly likely it will become more commonplace in years to come.

Driving the Next Day

As drink-driving limits continue to fall across the UK the number of drivers failing breath tests the following day continues to rise. This issue needs to be addressed by the education of motorists with regards to alcohol, its long-term impact and the degree of impairment it brings. The festive period, with Christmas parties and other seasonal activities, is a time of the year when the police are at their most active. Historically, festive drink drive campaigns were not advertised in the media but things are very different nowadays.

• Sobering up

The idea that black coffee and cold showers will in any way reduce the time needed to sober up is a common myth. In reality you will only sober up once the alcohol has been removed from your bloodstream which is simply a case of time. Road Safety Scotland suggests that those consuming either 4 pints of strong lager or one bottle of wine will not be safe to drive for at least 12 hours. The general advice seems to be to abstain from driving on the following day after excessive consumption of alcohol.

Penalties for Offenders

The UK is widely perceived to have some of the toughest drink-driving penalties in the world although this is not the full story. Over recent years we have seen many high profile drink-driving prosecutions although the authorities are also keen to educate drivers to ensure they do not re-offend. Aside from incarceration for serious drink-driving offences there are other options including:

• Disqualification from driving

The most common and effective deterrent in the battle against drink-driving is the extension of disqualification periods through the courts. We have also seen a growing number of instances where a driving ban is administered as part of bail conditions prior to a court hearing. The cumulative impact of more stringent regulations is helping reduce occasions where motorist reoffend.

• Seizing vehicles

There is growing support for the seizure of vehicles for those found guilty of repeat drink-driving offences. This is now commonplace in the UK for vehicles which are found to be unroadworthy and potentially dangerous. It might well be that seizing and crushing the vehicles of repeat drink-drive offenders may focus more minds.

• Rehabilitation courses

Rehabilitation and retesting courses are also becoming more commonplace as a means of tackling the long-term problem of drink-driving. This allows perpetrators to receive direct education on the consequences of their actions and the degree to which alcohol can impair their judgement and response times. In many ways, rehabilitation and retesting of drink-drive offenders is proving to be more effective than traditional penalties.

End Game

There is no doubt that the UK has enjoyed relative success in the ongoing campaign to reduce instances of drink-driving and fatal/non-fatal accidents. The threat of incarceration together with re-education has proved to be a very positive mix. There is no excuse for drink-driving; there are adverts on the TV and a prominent police presence during high-risk periods such as Christmas. Remember, driving while under the influence of alcohol not only puts you at risk but also passengers, other motorists and pedestrians.

There is no doubt that attitudes and working cultures are changing in the UK especially when it comes to alcohol consumption in the workplace. Historically this has been a major problem for the UK employment sector although thankfully it is now being addressed. A report for the House of Commons library in 2017 estimated lost productivity due to alcohol consumption totalled £7.3 billion in the tax year 2009/10. The impact on an individual’s health and customer/colleague relationships is also something more businesses need to address.

Drinking Culture in the Workplace

There are still many industries in the UK where a lunchtime drink is still part of the working culture even if not to the same extent of years gone by. Various reasons have been identified as indicators of problem drinking including:

33% of employees questioned admitted they had attended work with a hangover

Additional surveys have also highlighted how individuals deal with work stress:

33% will comfort eat

30% will speak to a friend or colleague

30% will find solace in alcohol

One of the main problems with drinking in the workplace is the fact that it is often overlooked, seen as part of the social culture and part of the working environment. While often believed to be more prevalent in manual employment roles, drinking at work is an issue right across the board, all the way up to high powered management.

The Impact of Alcohol in the Workplace

It is not difficult to think of a variety of ways in which alcohol consumption can impact the way you work. Some of the major problems include:

Concentration

Alcohol consumption will impact your concentration almost immediately with 2 pints of ordinary strength beer, or 4 small glasses of wine, at lunchtime still in your bloodstream three hours later. Those who have partaken in excessive drinking in the evening prior to work the next morning will be well aware of the thumping headaches, cold sweats and in extreme cases a degree of paranoia it can cause. If you are not able to concentrate on your work then by definition your productivity will fall.

Relationship with Customers

Those employees who are still hungover from the previous evening or may have consumed alcohol at lunchtime do not give the best impression when speaking with customers. Aside from the obvious smell of alcohol on their breath they may slur their words, reaction times may be extended and their ability to assist customers can be severely compromised. Whether on the phone, or in a meeting, this does not give the best impression of the company.

Relationship with Colleagues

For any business to operate efficiently all work colleagues need to pull together, work together and enjoy the rewards. Resentment can very quickly build if a colleague is drunk in the workplace and unable to fulfil their duties to an acceptable standard. In this situation, colleagues forced to “pick up the slack” may feel as though they are being put upon. This can lead to anger, conflict and sometimes violence in the workplace.

Safety issues

Aside from the fact it is illegal to operate an array of machinery when under the influence of alcohol there are also safety issues for work colleagues. All employers have a legal obligation to ensure the well-being and safety of all employees. As such, if they recognise that an individual is under the influence of alcohol then they have a legal obligation to remove them from the situation for the well-being of all parties.

If an employer chooses to ignore an employee under the influence of alcohol and they injure or kill somebody in an accident at work the employer could face a hefty fine and possible prison sentence for breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act .

Addressing Alcohol in the Workplace

In many cases excessive alcohol consumption can be an indicator of both general health and mental health issues. As a consequence, while historically many employers would simply have terminated the contract of employees with an alcohol issue, today it is seen as much as an illness as it is a choice. Various procedures are now in place including:

Mandatory testing

Some companies have introduced mandatory testing for blood alcohol levels especially where machinery and vehicles are used. This is something of a grey area because many believe it infringes on the human rights of individual employees even though it can ensure the safety of the wider workforce.

Time off work

Where it is obvious that an employee has an issue to address and they are over consuming alcohol on a regular basis, an employer may decide to give them time off work. In many instances this time off work to reflect and address problems in their personal life can lead to a refreshed and more productive employee returning in due course.

Expert advice

While large organisations tend to have HR departments able to assist and guide employees seeking advice about alcohol consumption, many companies will seek outside professional advice. This may include medical treatment and/or the opportunity to discuss issues and concerns with a trained psychologist.

Health and Safety at Work

All employers are legally required to ensure the well-being and safety of employees and customers. As a consequence, according to Accident Claims Advice, if there is an accident claim due to an employee being under the influence of alcohol the employer may be held wholly or partially responsible. While employers obviously have one eye on productivity and morale amongst the workforce they also have a legal obligation to ensure a safe and secure working environment.

Changing Attitudes

Whether socialising in the evening or partaking in a “liquid lunch” during working hours, there has been a relatively strong drinking culture across many different business sectors in the UK. Greater knowledge regarding the impact on physical and mental health, productivity and relationships has seen many people seek advice on alcohol addiction. There is also the legal obligation for employers to maintain a safe and secure working environment for employees and customers. Progress has been made in changing the drinking culture of years gone by but more work still needs to be done.